Papers & Boards

Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient; more recently they are also available as a naturally-sourced material. The properties of the material allow it to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes, colours and textures.

How to use this resource:

You will need to consider your design and select the most appropriate plastic for the job. Use the information and question sheet below to complete your research section and evaluate how it will affect your design choices.

Paper

Papers are made from wood pulp. Their density is measured by their weight, in grams per square metre (gsm). The lower the gsm, the thinner the paper will be.

Paper is cut into set sized sheets the most common is the ISO sizing format where paper is set into A-sizes Each sheet is half the size of the previous sheet of paper. i.e. A4 is half A3 (see diagram)

Tracing paper (40-90 gsm)

Properties: Thin, translucent (see-through), smooth and strong, doesn’t absorb ink easily and drying times are longer

Uses: For copying drawings, sketches and intricate details

Layout paper (50 gsm)

Properties: Smooth finish, translucent (see-through), cheap to buy

Uses: For sketching and developing design ideas

Cartridge paper (80-140 gsm)

Properties: Thick, textured surface, usually creamy, off-white colour, heavier weight than copier paper

Uses: For all colour mediums, including ink and watercolour, crayons and pastels

Board

Board is categorised by weight as well as thickness; the weight is measured, like paper, in grams per square metre (gsm) and the thickness is measured in microns. One micron is 1/1,000th of a mm.

Corrugated card (3,000+ microns)

Properties: Strong but lightweight, made from two layers with at least two or more fluted (crimped) sheets between, available in different thicknesses, not water resistant, can be recycled

Uses: Corrugations make it strong, protective and insulating; used in packaging

Mounting board (1,400 microns)

Properties: Rigid with smooth surface, available in a range of colours (commonly black and white)

Uses: Picture framing mounts, production of architectural models, to support concept designs for presentations

Resources

Materials Resources

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